About Northampton County, PA

It is Wednesday, January 27, 2010! Being a Wednesday means it's BNI meeting day.

For those of you that do not know what BNI stands for, it is Business Networking International. BNI is a networking group. It has thousands of chapters not only throughout the country, but, as the name states, all over the world. I belong to the Wind Gap Professionals BNI Chapter in Pennsylvania in the Delaware Valley Region.

Today is a special day for our chapter. It is our kick-off day! What is a kick-off? In simple terms, it is our chapter's "grand opening".

You see, our chapter is newly formed with currently 23 members. The kick-off makes us official and we are looking to fill more seats in our chapter.

There are 122 business people registered for today's event. From what I have heard, our chapter has set a record for kick-off day. That also means we have 122 business people to network with. When in your lifetime do you get to make over 100 contacts in 1 day in 1 room? Not very often.

I am so excited that our chapter has accomplished this and we are all looking forward to meeting our guests and a great meeting. Can't wait!

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR, e-PRO, GRI

Pennsylvania License #RS297130

Keller Williams Real Estate, Bethlehem, PA

The Lehigh Valley is currently going through a January thaw. Right now the temperatures are in the mid 50's and it is raining. Sounds like typical spring weather, right?

You're right, it is typical spring weather, but this is January, the middle of winter. It's usually cold, windy and snowy this time of year.

It seems like some of nature has been fooled it is spring.

Yesterday, while out showing homes, one of the homes had a large open area next to it. Would you believe I saw robins in that field. Not one or two, but dozens. I had to take a double take to make sure I was seeing correctly. My buyer was with me, so I do have a witness.

Normally, robins are considered as one of the first signs of spring. Does this mean that spring is around the corner? Or, with this January thaw, have the robins have been fooled?

I don't know the answer to that, but I will take spring right about now. I am most ready for it.

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR, e-PRO, GRI

Pennsylvania License #RS297130

Keller Williams Real Estate, Bethlehem, PA

Here is a comparison of activity comparing December 2008 to December 2009:

The number of sales reported during December 2009 were 366, up approximately 7% from December 2008 at 342.

The average sales price for December 2009 was recorded at $206,000, down approximately 1.4% from December 2008, when the average sales price of the month was recorded at $209,000. The average sales price is obtained by dividing the number of sales into the total sales dollars.

The median sales price for December 2009 was recorded at $184,000, which is an increase compared to December 2008 with a median price of $180,000. The median indicates the mid-point of the range of prices - half the homes sell for less, while half the homes sell for more.

The average time on the market for properties sold during December 2009 was 84 days, an increase from 78 days in December 2008.

The average sale price compared to list price for residential properties sold during the month of December 2009 is 96%, which is an increase compared to December 2008 at 95%.

Brigita McKelvie, REALTOR, e-PRO, GRI

Pennsylvania License #RS 297130

Keller Williams Real Estate, Bethlehem, PA